But now it's back again and this time as a travel website with absolutely no connection to the former boo. com. New boo, which is Irish-owned, says it will change the way you search for accommodation online.

Travellers have the option of more than 50,000 hotels in 165 countries and once you find what you want . . . and there are one million reviews from real people to help your decision . . . you can book directly with the supplier or via boo.

It certainly takes the pain out of what is usually a very tedious process, so here's hoping the website escapes the fate of its predecessor.

It's all so beautiful Where do the beautiful people go? Why, to Beautiful Places of course, which is the name Slattery's Travel have given to their new range of exclusive luxurious holidays.

Only 60 handpicked properties . . . from island hideaways to boutique hotels . . . made the grade for this collection of some of the world's most magnificent hotels and resorts.

Beautiful Places consultants will work with you to create your perfect holiday, whatever your desires, and naturally private jet charter and airport transfers in limousines and helicopters are options.

Sybarites should visit www. beautifulplaces. ie or call 1890 200 725.

Coach class Travelling to Australia by bus from London? We're not sure if this is a brilliant idea or just a bonkers one but it's what OzBus is promising with its new overland service launching this September.

Aimed at the backpacker market, it will take in Prague, Istanbul, Everest Base Camp and Bali, to name but a few stops in 20 different countries over 12 weeks.

Its founder, Mark Creasey, says it's a very social trip and that it's more eco friendly than flying. It might also be a very good alternative for those not too enamoured with air travel.

The service departing on 16 September is completely booked up but there are still some places left on the one departing on September 23.

Visit www. ozbus. com for more information.

Back-up tan Flight sorted? Hotel booked?

Passport packed? Now, how about that fake tan?

While the latter isn't going to make or break your holiday experience, if you'd prefer to avoid that sinking feeling you get on the first day as you compare your pasty, white Irish limbs to the bevy of golden beauties on the beach, best get this one sorted before you go.

Ever-reliable beauty company Bliss have just brought out a new selftanner, A Tan For All Seasons. It gives a gradual, believable self-tan in hours, is formulated with aloe vera and has a transfer-resistant bronzer, so you can see exactly where you're spraying.

Best of all, it doesn't have that usual yucky fake tan smell, being pleasantly citrus scented instead. Available from BT2, 39.